Natural Disasters

NEMA tested its mobile phone alert system shortly after 6pm on Sunday evening.

Hundreds are feared dead in Yambali Village in Enga province after the landslide bulldozed homes and buried families alive early Friday morning.

The $2 million funding includes $400,000 for community-led clean-ups, and $200,000 for a marketing campaign.

The need for help "will continue for years", Woolworths says.

Scientists have lowered the volcanic activity level for Whakaari / White Island after a minor eruption. Video

Scores of people have died in a massive landslide which has struck a remote village - and there are fears the number buried could be far higher.

The city could be billions of dollars short of rebuild costs if a significant earthquake should strike.

Whakatāne needs to prepare for an earthquake and tsunami similar to the 2011 Japan event which killed 20,000, scientist says.

The tornadoes have left a swath of obliterated homes, splintered trees and crumpled cars.

The silt is gone and the road into the seaside village of Herbertville is under repair, but the pub remains closed.

The map will allow hazard modellers and councils to better prepare for earthquakes and tsunamis, NIWA says. Audio

Torrential rain triggered flash floods, landslides, and cold lava flow - a mud-like mixture of volcanic ash, rock debris and water.

The majority of residents who made submissions to the council's long-term plan support it buying out private properties affected by the August 2022 storm.